Weed in Kurume: Laws, Risks, and Social Attitudes
Kurume, located in Fukuoka Prefecture, is a city known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful rivers, and traditional ramen. However, when it comes to cannabis (weed), Japan has some of the strictest drug laws in the world, and Kurume follows these laws strictly.
This article will cover:
- The legality of weed in Kurume
- Penalties for possession and use
- Availability and risks
- Public perception of cannabis
Is Weed Legal ?
No, weed is completely illegal in Kurume and all of Japan. The Cannabis Control Act of 1948 bans:
- Possession or use of cannabis
- Growing cannabis, even for personal use
- Selling, distributing, or trafficking weed
- Importing or exporting any cannabis-related products
Even CBD products must be completely THC-free to be legal in Japan. Medical marijuana is also illegal, and the government has no plans to legalize it anytime soon.
Penalties for Weed Possession
Japan has zero tolerance for cannabis, and those caught face severe punishments:
- Possession or use → Up to 5 years in prison
- Growing or selling → Up to 7 years in prison
- Trafficking large amounts → Up to 10 years in prison + heavy fines
- Foreigners caught with weed → Immediate deportation and a lifetime ban from Japan
Even a small amount of cannabis can lead to arrest, jail time, and serious social consequences.
Is Weed Available in Kurume?
Weed is not common in Kurume, but some people still try to obtain it through:
- The dark web → Some attempt to order cannabis online, but this is extremely risky.
- Personal connections → A small underground market exists, but it is highly secretive.
- University students → Some younger people experiment with weed, but this is rare.
However, buying weed in Kurume is very dangerous due to:
- Strict police enforcement → Drug-related activities are monitored closely.
- Poor quality → Black market weed may contain harmful chemicals or synthetic substances.
- Severe legal consequences → Even just talking about drugs with the wrong person could result in suspicion and investigation.
Compared to bigger cities like Tokyo or Osaka, Kurume has fewer sources and harsher consequences for those caught.
Public Attitude Toward Cannabis
Japan, in general, has a very negative view of cannabis, and Kurume is no exception. Most people in the city associate drugs with crime, failure, and social disgrace.
Reasons for this include:
- Strict anti-drug education → Schools and media strongly discourage drug use.
- Cultural beliefs → Many Japanese people see drugs as immoral and dangerous.
- Severe social consequences → Those caught with weed often lose their jobs, reputations, and family support.
Even among younger generations, there is little discussion about legalization, and most Japanese people do not support changing the laws.
Conclusion
If you are in Kurume, do not risk using or possessing weed. Japan’s zero-tolerance policy means that even a small mistake could lead to serious legal trouble.
Instead, enjoy Kurume’s beautiful parks, delicious food, and rich history—without getting involved with drugs.